• After more than two decades, the International Health Regulations National Focal Point of Argentina on 20th December notified WHO of a human case of Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) infection.

• WEE is an arthropod-borne virus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genera Culex which causes encephalitis in humans and horses.

• The main reservoirs are passerine birds.

• The virus spreads to different regions through the migration of infected birds, animals, & people.

• People who live and work in the affected areas are at risk.

• In November, a patient who is a rural worker from an area where horses previously tested positive for WEE, presented with symptoms of headache, muscle pain, disorientation & sudden onset of fever received medical help, where he was under mechanical ventilation.

• The samples of the patient were sent to the Reference Laboratory of the National Institute of Human Viral Diseases and it came out positive for WEE virus.

• The National Ministry of Health in Argentina activated a nationwide alert and is collaborating with the National Food Safety and Quality Service on the implementation of preventive measures.

• The WHO recommendations regarding preventive measures include:

1. Managing the environment

2. Vector control

3. Vaccination in horses

4. Personal protective measures including repellents, wire mesh, mosquito nets, insecticide-treated nets

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